We are Australians - English in citizenship, community and cultural identity: Speech - Sunny

We are Australians - English in citizenship, community and cultural identity: Speech - Sunny (80-89)

Commentary

While short in length this response demonstrated sound understanding of the concept of citizenship, community and cultural identity by discussing the flag in a symbolic manner. Research is thoughtfully presented and ideas logically developed. A strong personal voice is established appropriate to the audience, purpose and form with effective use of vocabulary and persuasive devices that competently demonstrate an understanding of speech conventions. Audience engagement could be further strengthened by a more sustained use of inclusive language. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing within the mark range of 80–89.

The flag

Welcome everyone. Today I am here to talk about our flag. Lots of people have been saying we need to change the flag and I can see why. Arguments for changing the flag are based around the idea that the current flag dose not accurately depict Australia’s status as an independent and multicultural nation, mostly because of the union jack in the top left corner. The union jack on the flag came from Britain and symbolises Britain’s rule in Australia and although the flag was designed by four Australians, including two teenagers, and a man from New Zealand chosen in a public competition, the original competition rules stipulated the design must include the Union flag and Southern Cross and it still had to be approved by King Edward VII. Most of the people that want to change the flag are part of Ausflag. Ausflag is a not for profit organization that was established to promote the debate on the flag of Australia.

And some people want to change this and as Australian citizens they have a right to have their say. Other people do not want to change this because The Union Flag is seen by the more conservative generations to stand for Australia’s historical origins; also it is a popular symbol. No alternative national flag has attained the same degree of acceptance accorded to the existing flag. They also believe that we should keep the flag because it’s the flag we fought under in all the conflicts we’ve been in. Most of the people that want to keep are part of ANFA (Australian National Flag Association). The ANFA is a registered educational charity founded in Sydney on 10 May 1983 at a public meeting in response to suggestions that the current Australian flag is not appropriately representative of the nation, and should be changed.

I believe that we should keep the flag the way it is, mostly because of the fact that we have fought under it in wars and because it’s been our flag for so long that every country knows it’s our flag and if we changed it now it would take other countries some time before they know us by the new flag. Do you think we should change our flag?